Is there a Relationship Between Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Lifestyle and the Severity of Respiratory Infections in Pediatric Patients?

Globally, acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five, particularly pneumonia. In 2019, pneumonia claimed 740,180 children's lives, constituting 14% of under-five deaths, with a child succumbing every 39 seconds. Predisposing factors vary, including low birth weight, pollutants, inadequate nutrition, and low maternal education. This study aims to assess the impact of socio-demographic factors on respiratory infection severity in pediatric patients.

A cross-sectional study included 221 pediatric patients with respiratory infections, analyzing socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Statistical methods explored relationships between socio-demographics, lifestyle, and infection severity.

Descriptive statistics showed quasi-equal gender distribution and a mean age of 4.88 years with a normal distribution. Seasonal variations had gender and environment correlations, but chi-square tests found no statistical differences. Bivariate correlations revealed significant associations between gender and hospitalization days, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin values.

This study sheds light on socio-demographic factors influencing respiratory infections in pediatric patients, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.